The holy spirit gift of giving

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIFT OF GIVING
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Do You Have the Spiritual Gift of Giving?
Bill GreigChristianDoctrine, Counseling, Discipleship, Leaders, Missions,
Spiritual Gifts, Stewardship, UncategorizedNo Comments
THE GIVER
Dr. Larry Gilbert
The Greek wordword Metadidomi means to give over, to share, to give to, to
impart. The important thing here is not to spiritualize and explain awaythis
gift. Some saythat this gift refers to giving of yourself and your time; that it
doesn’t really mean giving money or material resources. Onthe contrary,
Givers honestly feelthat the best waythey can give of themselves is to give of
their material gain for the work of God. They feel that since God gave them
the ability to make money, they should use it to give back to God and His
work. Everyone should tithe,but the Giver goes far beyond the tithe.
The Scriptures point out Giving as one of the gifts in Romans 12. The Giver is
encouragedto give “in simplicity” (Romans 12:8). MostChristians with the
gift of Giving do so without fanfare and public recognition. In fact, Givers
usually do not wish for people to know whom they are or how much is given.
Givers have the attitude that tithing is the outward evidence of an inward
commitment. Tithing is not giving 10 percent; it’s receiving 90 percent. It is a
commandment for all Christians. The gift of Giving starts where tithing ends.
If you are a Giver, you have the Spirit-given capacityand desire to serve God
by giving of your material resources, farbeyond the tithe, to further the work
of God. You are the personwho meets the financial needs of fellow Christians
and church members.

Givers would look with disapproval on the person who gives with the wrong
motive—giving to get (e.g., trying to intimidate God into returning the
monetary gift). They would not encourage giving up grocerymoney, but
would agree with giving the money that was savedtoward a new flatscreen
TV, for more urgent, worthy or eternal purposes. Their motive for giving is
always to further the work of Godand not to “show off,” though some might
think otherwise of them.
In Acts 4:34–5:10, there is a significantdescription of people who had unusual
opportunities to give. In the early church, Christian landowners often sold
their property and other possessionsand gave the proceeds to the church in
order to care for those in need. One of those men was Barnabas. He soldhis
land and laid the money at the Apostles’ feet(Acts 4:36-37).
But Ananias and Sapphira sold their land and schemedto give only part of
the money to the Lord’s work. They lied and tried to deceive the apostles
(Acts 5:1-10). It is interesting to compare the attitudes and the rewards those
attitudes received. Barnabas eventually accompaniedthe Apostle Paul in
much of his ministry. God killed Ananias and Sapphira on the spot as a result
of their treachery.
The proper attitude about the gift of Giving is probably best illustrated by the
story of the Honorable Alpheus Hardy, who used money to support
missionaries and educate ministers. His monetary support helped lay the
foundations for Christianity in Japan.
During college,Hardy’s health broke and he discoveredhe could not become
a minister. “My distress was so greatI threw myself flat on the floor,” he said
of one morning’s depression. “‘Icannot be God’s minister’ kept rolling in my
mind. It was the voiceless cryof my soul.”
During that ordealGod revealedto Hardy that he could serve God with
similar devotion in business. To make money for God might be his special
calling and gift. The answerwas so clearand joyous he exclaimed aloud, “O
God, I canbe Thy minister.” Making money and giving it to Godbecame his
ministry.

Another example of how a man’s gift of Giving can be so greatly used is Dr.
OswaldJ. Smith, writer of the song “ThenJesus Came.” His desire was to
become a missionary. Instead, God placedhim in the pastorate and used him
to send missionaries and money for missions all over the world. He is
recognizedas one of the greatestmissionarybenefactors ofrecent history.
There must be a distinction made betweenthe gift of Giving and the grace of
giving. First, realize that tithing and giving are responsibilities of every
Christian. The tithe is the first fruits of our increase. Itis God’s and we should
give it to Him immediately. Luke 6:38 is for every Christian, not just those
with the gift of Giving. That is the grace of giving—giving from a heart of
love, allowing God to furnish the returns when we have given from a desire to
help others and further His work.
An evangelistvisited a college campus where I was attending for a week of
meetings. His messagesongiving inspired personaltestimonies from students
who gave and receivedthroughout the week. Manycaught the spirit and gave
and gave. The problem, though, didn’t surface until severalweekslaterwhen
the students’ bills came due. They couldn’t pay their bills; they had given the
money away. What went wrong? After all, the Scripture does sayto give and
you will receive.
First of all, the evangelistwas not aware ofthe gift of Giving. He failed to tell
us (or was unaware)that all the people in the many overwhelming testimonies
had the gift of Giving. When it comes to giving and receiving, some principles
apply only to those with the gift of Giving (such as the ability to give beyond
their means).
Secondly, some of the students did not have their hearts in the right place.
They were not giving to help God as much as to help themselves. Motive is the
key to giving and receiving. The proper motive is giving to receive in order to
give again. These young people were giving to receive so they would have
more at the end.
Many Christians, in sheerdesperation, have given all they had trying to bail
themselves out of a jam, only to see their efforts fail. You can’t give yourself

out of a financial jam, nor can you give your way to prosperity with that end
as a motive. It’s like borrowing to getout of debt.
Givers must observe four guidelines:
Do not love riches.
Give for the right reason.
Make giving your reasonfor gaining wealth.
Keep your spiritual life strong and consistentwith God.
Dr. Larry Gilbert is founder and chairman of Ephesians Four Ministries, and
founder of ChurchGrowth.org. Formore on spiritual gifts, see Dr. Gilbert’s
books from which this article was excerpted:Team Ministry: Gifted to Serve
(for pastors and group leaders)and Your Gifts: DiscoverGod’s Unique
Designfor You (for individuals and groups).
by Lyn Paul
Open your eyes
Open your heart
Give just a little
You will getsuch alot
Let the sunshine in
Even when there is rain
The warmth of your heart
Will warm someone elses
Two hands are better than one

One opened heart
Will welcome two warm hands
Open your heart
Love is not just romance
Love is... loving who you are
To love life
To love to give
Our journey in life
Is to open those eyes
Feelthe beauty in your heart
Give the gift
The gift of giving
www.sandylandry.com
The giver is the fifth gift. In the Bible, Abraham was a giver. Nations and
cities also have redemptive gifts which is another whole study, but Israel, the
nation, is also giver. So what is a giver that God would choosethis gift to
exemplify His chosenpeople and their patriarch.
1. A giver is a generationalthinker. Remember how miserable Abraham was
that although he was mightily blessedby God, he had no heir. Then God
blessedhim with Isaac and he was content. God was calledthe God of
Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. A generationalGod.

2. A giver is a nurturer. The sense ofblessing and continuity and protecting
the generations are in the heart of a giver. Look at Israel and the trials they
have suffered as a Jewishnation and people, and yet despite all odds, they
have largely remained a separte people with a distinct identity in a world that
continues to amalgamate.
3. A giver sees opportunity and often knows timing and thus is often
prosperous. The giver can sometimes seemto reap more on investment or
have keeninsight into opportunity. What is the Jewishnation noted for?
Often it is noted for successand wealth. There seems to be a blessing on the
giver to prosper. Jacobwas a giver. In the beginning he connived and
manipulated to succeed, but he did prosper and was chosenby God to carry
the blessing of God.
4. A giver is not black and white, but sees grey. A giver does not like
limitations, and to him, black and white are limiting. He likes to think big and
explore and discover. He is usually the leastreligious of all the gifts because
of this.
5. A giver loves options. Just when you think a giver has decided, he may
change his mind a couple of more times if the opportuity looks betteror he
rethinks the situation. He cancomplicate things with his need for keeping his
options open and checking outall the possibilities before the decides.
6. Thus he has a hard time commiting.He doesn'tlike being held to last
week's plan or told that he must follow through on a commitment. He does
not usually like being confronted. Others can perceive this as a lack of
credibility or character, but the giver sees anever changing landscape.
7.A giver has does not take a census before acting. Often others must
synchronize with him, as he has an agenda, is independent, and is always
moving toward his personalgoals and taking the opportunities in front of him.
8. Although the giver gives generously, he is very particular about what he
gives to and cautious about it. He does not like to give to startups but to
proven enterprises. He is accountable to God for stewardshipand he must

learn this: in other words, he wrestles with God about what is his and what is
God's. The giver's quest is knowing it is all God's.
9. A giver brings stability to those around him. He anchors. People are often
drawn to the giver's strength and stability.
10. Job was a giver who beganwith a limited understanding of God that read
like a business contract. The giver is capable of seeing a big God, and Job, at
the end of his life, had seena much larger God through his trials. The giver
tends to see everyone as a peer at first, which makes allmen approachable for
him and often leads to worldy success. He is not easilyintimidated. In the
case ofGod, he may learn the hard way that God is not a peer.
11. Sam Waltonand Bill Gates are both givers. They sharedthe desire to
leave a legacy. Making moneyis not the end goal; they usually want to invest
in something lasting or productive.
12. A Giver can be surprisingly frugal with his own family. He is frugal with
some things so that he can amass wealthto be generous in other things.
Warren Buffet is a goodexample of a giver who is frugal. He has lived in the
same house for the pastthirty years and is unassuming in his personalstyle.
He has paid for his children's schooling, but has not lavished wealthon them.
Givers usually want their children to know the value of hard work and
money.
13. Givers tend to see everyone as a peer. They make greatconnectors and
know many different types of people. They are not easily intimated by people
that might be intimidating.
14. They are very practical and down to earth. "Will it work?" is one of their
theme. They take calculatedrisks, not foolishones, and are very goodat
assessing the feasibility and effort a project will take. Theycan persevere
through hard times and be relentless in seeing a project through.

15. Givers like to network and to selectpeople from their existing network to
build with in the future. They are more comfortable with the tried and true
employees that they can plug in than with new ones.
16. They thrive on information, but they are usually not forthcoming with
their own. forthc Theyare goodnegotiators, able to hold their emotions in
check and give information out when they feelit is appropriate.
A giver is designed by God to give birth to things that last. God pickedthe
giver nation of Israelto be His people, and he pickedAbraham, giver, to birth
the nation. They are far sighted, driven, and persevering to see that the things
that are born stay alive and flourish. They have stamina and long range vision
and a work ethic to establishand endure.
Giver clues:
1. A giver has a generationaloutlook.
2. A giver is a nurturer. Loves to be the source of safetyand blessing to
family.
3. Likes to empowerothers to succeed.
4. Notquick to feelquilt; hates manipulation of any kind
5. Relatesto all sorts of people
6. Tends to keepfriends for a very long time
7. Networks
8. Private about his own life
9. Ordinarily not confrontational
10.Likes options and is goodat finding resources and options not readily seen
by others
11.Loves to see opportunities and seize them

12.Lives in the present and future; doesn't learn from the past
13. Keeps options open as long as possible
14. Does notlike absolutes
15. Pragmatic and practical
16. Seems to have resources atall times
17. Frugal
18. Loves bargains and discounts
19. Can find security in resources
20. Gives wisely
21. Peacemaker
22. Place ofsafetyand stability
23. Can birth and nurture
24. Can struggle with gratitude
25. Faith may seemhard for the practicalgiver
26. Busy, multiple projects, on the move
4. Independent; not needy
Spiritual Gift of Giving
Giving: A Spiritual Gift Definition

The Giving spiritual gift is a specialenablement from the Holy Spirit that
permits people to give sacrificiallyof their finances, time and talents toward
the work of God. People possessing the gift of Giving may also display the gift
of Faith or Stewardship. The gift of Giving is often demonstrated through a
person’s ability to give “free-will” offerings wellin excessofthe biblical tithe.
It is not uncommon for people with the gift of Giving to testify that the more
they give to God, the more God blesses them so that they are able to give
again.
The Apostle Paul lists the gift of Giving among other gifts in Romans 12:8. In
2 Corinthians 8:1-7, the Apostle Paul elevates the Macedonianchurch to all
the other churches because ofthe specialgrace Godhad given them to give to
others out of their poverty.
The spiritual gift of Giving is generallyexpressedin three areas oflife:
Finances, Time, and Talents.
Giving of Abilities
God has given all of us many skills and talents. Talents differ from spiritual
gifts in that eachone of us has developedour skills and talents since our
childhood. If you feel led by God to serve others in this manner, please select
the appropriate checkbox.
Giving of Resources
Whether God has blessedyou financially, or like the Macedonians, youare
calledto give from out of your poverty…either way, you believe God has
calledyou to give of your financial resourcesforthe work of ministry. If you
feel led by God to serve others in this manner, please selectthe appropriate
checkbox.
Giving of Time
Time is a valuable resource and gift from God. It is often far easierto write a
check to meet a need than it is to invest personal time. However, many people
gifted with the gift of Giving, many believe that God has called them to invest

of their time to support others. If you feel led by God to serve others in this
manner, please selectthe appropriate checkbox. https://www.assessme.org/
Spiritual Gift of Giving
The Greek wordfor the spiritual gift of giving is Metadidomi. It simply
means “to impart” or “to give.” However, this word is accompaniedin
Romans 12:8 by another descriptive word: Haplotes. This word tells us much
more about the kind of giving that is associatedwith this gift. The word
Haplotes means “sincerely, generouslyandwithout pretense or hypocrisy.”
The Holy Spirit imparts this gift to some in the church to meet the various
needs of the church and its ministries, missionaries, orof people who do not
have the means to provide fully for themselves. The goalis to encourage and
provide, giving all credit to God’s love and provision. Those with this gift love
to share with others the overflow of blessings Godhas given them. They are
typically very hospitable and will seek out ways and opportunities to help
others. The are also excellentstewards and will often adjust their lifestyles in
order to give more to the spread of the Gospeland the care of the needy.
They are grateful when someone shares a need with them, and are always
joyful when they can meet that need. See Romans 12:8, 13, 2 Corinthians 8:1-
5; 9:6-15; Acts 4:32-37, Galatians 4:15, Philippians 4:10-18.
https://spiritualgiftstest.com
What is the spiritual gift of giving? Institute in Basic Life Principles
Giving: A Spiritual Gift

the characteristics ofa motivational gift
A Christian’s motivational spiritual gift represents what God does in him to
shape his perspective on life and motivate his words and actions. Romans
12:3–8 describes “basic motivations,” whichare characterizedby inherent
qualities or abilities within a believer—the Creator’s unique workmanship in
him or her.
Through the motivational gifts, God makes believers aware ofneeds that He
wants to meet through them, for His glory. Then, believers can minister to
others through the ministry and manifestation gifts of the Spirit, in ways
beyond mere human capability and ingenuity, with maximum effectiveness
and minimum weariness.
Eachperson’s behavior will vary according to factors such as temperament,
background, age, gender, culture, and circumstances.However, it is not
unusual for individuals who share the same motivational gift to demonstrate
common characteristics. Beloware some general characteristics thatare
typically exhibited by those who have the motivational gift of giving.
GeneralCharacteristics
A giver’s basic motivational drive is to conserve and share resources in order
to meet needs. Givers take specialdelight in discovering needs that others
overlook and then meeting those needs.
Givers particularly enjoy preventing waste by exercising wisdom and
accountability.
A giver gets joy by finding less costlyways to do things, whether the costis
measuredin time, money, or energy.
Their families often think givers are very stingy—much too concernedabout
counting pennies—but the people to whom they give think they are extremely
generous.
Givers like to stayout of the limelight, often giving anonymously in order to
avoid recognitionfor their giving.

Givers evaluate spirituality in terms of resources, accountability, and
dependability.
Saving resourcesbrings a giver almostas much pleasure as giving them,
because they regardsaving as the keythat opens the door to even more
resources.Theyseemto be able to accumulate savings, evenin hard times.
A Giver’s Strengths
A giver saves money by making wise purchases. He also tends to avoid
impulsive spending.
Givers tend to have an excellentunderstanding of authority and
accountability. More than those with other motivational gifts, givers expect to
be held accountable and diligently hold others accountable.
They usually are hard workers andtend to have conservative values.
Givers often like to become personallyinvolved in the lives of the people to
whom they give support.
Regardlessofhis economic status, a giver hardly ever spends more than he
makes. Consequently, he rarely incurs debt.
Givers love to motivate others to save and to give generously.
A Giver’s Weaknesses
Sometimes their efforts to conserve resourcescanturn into being “plain
cheap.”
Givers canreactnegatively to pressure to give, assuming that others canand
should meet a need, since the need is well publicized.
If a giver has been offended or has lost confidence in a personor a ministry,
he may allow his feelings to interfere with God-given opportunities to give.
A giver can easilybe tempted to judge a person or ministry basedon a single
incident that appears to reflectpoor stewardship or lack of accountability,
rather than taking the steps necessaryto get an accurate accountofthe
situation.

Just as is true of any other spiritual gift, if a giver becomes too focusedon
issues he sees as priorities, his perspective will reflect“tunnel vision” instead
of wise understanding. Fora giver, this would often involve placing too much
attention on getting the best deal rather than the final goal, whateverthat
would be. https://iblp.org
What are the common characteristics ofgivers?
The Common Traits of Givers
learn about the characteristicsofthose with the spiritual gift of giving
Following are some traits commonly observedin those who have the
motivational spiritual gift of giving. These traits can be used to benefit others,
or they can be misused and thereby cause discordin the Body of Christ.
When a believer walks according to the Spirit (see Galatians 5:25), his unique
perspective (in this case, giving)is demonstrated through traits that reflect the
characterof Christ. However, when a believer walks in “the flesh,” making
choices that are determined by his sinful nature, his unique perspective is
demonstrated through undesirable, ungodly traits. (See Galatians 5:16–17.)
Readthese examples thoughtfully and prayerfully, and ask God to help you
discern if your motivational gift is giving. If it is, be encouragedas you learn
about the specialvirtue and wisdom that God has given you with this gift. Be
warned of the temptation to misapply these Godly traits when you fail to walk
in the grace Godgives you to use them righteously. (See Hebrews 12:15.)
RecognizesResources
A giver has the ability to discern wise investments. He uses assets oftime,
money, and possessionsto advance the work of the Lord. If a personwith the
gift of giving has limited funds, he is still able to use his ability to recognize
available resources anddraw upon them when needed.
Misuse of this trait: Hoards resourcesfor self

The fear of the Lord is the key to using this gift effectively. One way we learn
the fearof the Lord is by regular giving. The tithe was establishedto remind
us of our dependence on God and our need to express gratitude to Him, our
Provider. (See Deuteronomy14:22–23.)If a giver loses his fear of God, he
stops exercising his gift and his resources become stagnant.
Invests SelfFirst, Then Gifts
A giver needs reassurancethathis decisions are in God’s will, whether he has
little or much to give. To achieve this, he will first give himself and then his
gift to the Lord. Since all believers must practice giving, Paul explained how
the Macedonians“firstgave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the
will of God” (II Corinthians 8:5).
Misuse of this trait: Uses gifts to control people
A giver has a desire to make sure that his gifts are wiselyinvested and used.
Thus, he often prefers to purchase and donate a quality item rather than give
the money to make a purchase. However, he may be accusedofusing his gifts
to control lives and ministries when he purchases items or sponsors specific
projects.
Desires to Give High-Quality Gifts
A giver wants his gifts to last. His ability to discern value motivates him to
provide quality gifts. Matthew, who demonstrated the gift of giving, described
in greaterdetail than any other Gospelwriter the gifts given to Christ. He is
the only writer who mentioned “the treasures” brought by the Magi;he
describedMary’s ointment as “very precious,” and he described Joseph’s
tomb as “new.” (See Matthew 2:11, 26:6–13, and 27:57–60.)
Misuse of this trait: Forcing higher living standards
If a giver’s primary focus is on the quality of the gift rather than the need the
gift is meeting, he cantempt the receiverto become dissatisfiedwith the
quality of the other things he owns. A giver could also excuse personal
luxuries on the basis that he is generous with his money. However, when he is
not faithful in little, God will not trust him with much.

Hopes His Gift Answers Prayer
A giver who is in fellowshipwith the Lord will be prompted to give even when
a need is not obvious. The ultimate confirmation that his gift was offered
according to God’s will comes whenhe learns that it fulfilled an unknown
need or answereda specific prayer.
Misuse of this trait: Feels guilty about personalassets
A giver who is not in fellowship with the Lord will begin to feelguilty as he
stores up funds. Even if he is preparing for a specialneed, he must have the
reassurancefrom the Lord that his plans are according to God’s will.
Desires to Give Secretly
Just as the giver looks to the Lord for direction, the giver wants recipients to
look to the Lord for provision. The giver knows that future reward is more
valuable than present praise; thus, he will give quietly and often give
anonymously.
Misuse of this trait: Rejects pressure appeals
If a giver reacts to all appeals for funds and looks only for hidden or
unannounced needs, he may fail to recognize the Lord’s direction. He may
also miss an important opportunity to give wise counselor needed funds to a
worthy ministry.
ConcernedThat Giving Will Corrupt
A mature giver understands the destructiveness ofthe love of money. He is
very aware that those who need his assistance maynot yet have learned the
disciplines that Godtaught him in acquiring assets. Therefore, he looks for
ways to avoid encouraging dependency, slothfulness, or extravagancethrough
his gifts.
Misuse of this trait: Gives too sparingly to family
The frugality of a giver is often extended to his ownwife and children.
However, if he does not show the same concern, care, and delight in meeting
their needs as he does in meeting others’ needs, they will reactto his

generositytowardothers. By listening to the Lord and the counselof his wife,
he will avoid the damaging consequencesofunwise gifts or investments.
Exercises PersonalThriftiness
A giver’s personalassets are oftenthe result of consistentpersonalfrugality
and contentment with the basics. He is concernedabout getting the best buy,
not with how much he will have left. He invests extra effort in saving money
and being resourcefulwith what he has.
Misuse of this trait: Gives to projects vs. people
If a giver loses his focus of meeting the needs of people, he may be unduly
attractedto projects. His desire for measuring value may prompt him to build
a “memorial to his generosity.” The emphasis of Scriptural giving is that of
distributing to the necessityofthe saints. Paul’s collections were made for
needy Christians.
Uses Gifts to Multiply Giving
The motivation of a giver is to encourage others to give. He wants them to
experience the joy and spiritual growththat come by sacrificialgiving. Thus,
the giver may provide matching funds or the last payment in order to
encourage others to give.
Misuse of this trait: Causes people to look to him vs. God
When a giver lets others know what he is giving, he can cause many to turn
their attention from the Lord to him. He also risks the dangerof attracting
people with wrong motives. These people appealto his human inclinations and
extract gifts that are not directed by the Lord.
Confirms Amount With Counsel
A giver reacts negativelyto pressure appeals. He prefers to look for financial
needs that others have overlooked. A husband who has the gift of giving will
often confirm the amount that he should give by seeing if his wife has the same
amount in mind.
Misuse of this trait: Waits too long to give

If a giver is not instantly obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, he
may lose the joy of seeing Godaccomplisha miraculous provision through
him. The one who was to receive the gift will also be denied the opportunity of
seeing Godprovide funds preciselywhen needed.
Are You a Giver?
Do you recognize any of these positive characteristics ortheir misapplication
as ones that you have demonstrated? Do the motivations of a giver guide your
decisions and actions? If so, rejoice, because Godhas given you a unique
responsibility in the Body of Christ!
If these characteristics, and their misuses, do not reflect your motivations, we
encourage youto read and study similar information about eachof the other
six spiritual motivational gifts (prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting,
organizing, and mercy). Ask the Lord to reveal your spiritual gift to you. God
will show you how He has gifted you. Be diligent!
As eachof us identifies his or her motivational gift, he or she will be better
equipped to achieve maximum fruitfulness with minimum weariness. As we
exercise our gifts, we experience personalfulfillment and a deep sense ofjoy.
RussellKelfer, in his excellent book titled Discovering Your Spiritual Gift,
gives us an excellentword picture related to the motivational spiritual gifts
assignedby God: “This isn’t a gift for you to put on the mantle like a trophy
to admire. It is like a certainkind of glove that you put on that allows your
hands to do the work of the ministry they were calledto do. It is like a certain
kind of spiritual shoes you wearto take you where you need to go” (Kelfer,
page 10). Let’s put on those custom-designedgloves andshoes and get to
work!
Institute in Basic Life Principles

Giving
The Greek verb translated for "giving" is "metadidōmi," and is mentioned as
a spiritual gift only once.
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace givento us, eachof us is
to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his
faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;or he who
exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives (metadidōmi), with liberality; he who
leads, with diligence;he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom12:6-8)
"Metadidōmi" is a compound term made up of "meta" and "didōmi."
"Didōmi" means "to give," and the Greek preposition"meta" adds the
nuance in meaning of "beyond giving" as in sharing or giving from one's
personalpossessions. This canbe seenin the following uses of "metadidōmi"
elsewhere in the Bible:
And he would answerand say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to
share (metadidōmi) with him who has none; and he who has food is to do
likewise."(Luke 3:11)
For I long to see you so that I may impart (metadidōmi) some spiritual gift to
you, that you may be established;that is, that I may be encouragedtogether
with you while among you, eachof us by the other's faith, both yours and
mine. (Rom 1:11-12)
He who steals must stealno longer; but rather he must labor, performing with
his ownhands what is good, so that he will have something to share
(metadidōmi) with one who has need. (Eph 4:28)
Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleasedto impart
(metadidōmi) to you not only the gospelofGod but also our own lives, because
you had become very dear to us. (1 Thess 2:8)
Associatedwith the spiritual gift of "metadidōmi" is the Greek noun
"haplotēs" (he who gives [metadidōmi], with liberality [haplotēs]). When used
in the context of human relationships, "haplotēs" refers to the quality of one's

heart, and Paul is indicating that the spiritual gift of giving is wholehearted,
with goodness,kindness, and without hidden motives.
Absent in Paul's comment of the spiritual gift of giving is any statementabout
quantity; the spiritual gift of giving is not about how much you give or how
much you have. Paul appears to say that anyone with the gift is one who gives
sacrificiallyof one's personalpossessions with wholeheartedness, without any
ulterior motives, and for the sake ofgoodness andkindness."
helpmewithbiblestudy.org
The Spirit Of Giving
December4, 1997
Read:Matthew 1:18-25 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel47-48;1 John 3
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name
Immanuel. —Isaiah7:14
Yes, there are people who believe in Santa Claus. According to a poll taken by
KRC Researchin 1996 and cited in U.S.News & World Report, nine percent
of American adults say they really do believe in the jolly old North Pole
resident.
Perhaps that’s not surprising when we realize that at no other time of the year
do we focus so much attention on a single theme as during the Christmas
season. The fictionalcharacterof Santa Claus has become an integral part of

the celebrationin our culture because he symbolizes gift-giving, the
centerpiece ofmost holiday gatherings. What many people believe in at
Christmas is the spirit of giving.
As admirable as that spirit may be, there is something more grand and life-
changing to believe in. At Christmas we need to focus on truths like these:
The prophecies of Jesus’birth (Isa. 7:14; 9:1-7).
The miracle of Jesus’conception(Mt. 1:18).
The perfectionof the holy Christ-child (Lk. 1:35).
The mission of that baby boy (Mt. 1:21).
The Creatorof the world miraculously became man on that first Christmas
morning so He could provide us with the gift of eternallife. Now, that’s
something to believe in at Christmas!
The greatestgiftin history:
Almighty God becoming man;
He left His throne and slept on straw,
In keeping with salvation's plan. —Sper
The best gift in the world was wrapped in a manger.
By Dave Branon| See Other Authors
4 Truths About Christian Giving
November 26, 2017
by: J. I. Packer

1. Christian giving is both a spiritual gift and a discipline of discipleship to our
Lord Jesus Christ.
What is a spiritual gift? Paul’s Greek has two label-nouns for identifying any
item in this category:charisma, meaning a product of the active,
communicative, redemptive divine love that the New Testamentcalls charis,
and we call grace, and pneumatikon, meaning an expressionof the life and
energy of the divine personwhom the New Testamentcalls hagion pneuma,
the Holy Spirit. A spiritual gift, a grace gift as we may welldescribe it, is
essentiallya pattern of service in the church that honors Christ, glorifies God
his Fatherand ours, edifies one’s fellow believers and oneselftoo, and imparts
strength and maturity to the church as a whole. Some gift are abilities that
transcend one’s natural resourcesand are supernaturally bestowedin and
through Christ; others are natural abilities redirected, sanctified, and
activatedby the Holy Spirit from within on eachoccasionoftheir exercise.
Thus, Paul’s intermittent healing powers were a gift of the first type, while his
unflagging powers as a teacherof gospeltruth were a gift of the secondtype.
Giving, now, is a gift of the latter sort.
In Romans 12:6, Paul writes, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace
given to us, let us use them,” and he proceeds to give examples of this,
emphasizing eachtime that one use his or her gift in the best way possible. He
speaks ofprophesying (i.e., preaching the word of God), serving, teaching,
exhorting, and exercising leadership. Then in verse 8 he comes to this: “the
one who contributes [should do so]in generosity.” “Contributes” is a word in
the Greek that means “shares” andcertainly refers to the sharing of money,
as those who have give to meet the needs of those who have not. “Generosity”
is a term that also signifies “sincerity,” and Paul probably selects it for use
here because it always carries overtones oftransparent goodwillbeing
expressed.
So giving or sharing or using money to relieve needs is a spiritual gift, and one
who gives generouslyis as truly a charismatic as one who prays for another’s

healing or who speaks in tongues. Also, giving is a discipline of discipleship to
the Lord Jesus. Disciplines do not come naturally, without effort. On the
contrary, they are acquired and sustained habits of thought and/or behavior
that need constantpractice if they are ever to be anything like perfect, and
they often involve specific techniques of their own.
Christian virtues, of which generosityis one, are disciplines that Christ
commends, commands, and models as life qualities that should mark out all
his disciples, that is, all those who have committed themselves to learn his way
of living. ( e Greek word for “disciple” means learner.)
All spiritual gifts are, from one standpoint, disciplines of discipleship, and if
we are not actively traveling the path of generous giving, it will have to be said
of us straightawaythat we really are weak and deficient in our discipleship to
and dependence upon Christ Jesus ourLord—which means that we need,
urgently, to change our ways.
2. Christian giving is managementof God’s money.
When we setourselves to think about Christian money management, in
whateverconnection, from buying groceriesto supporting missionaries to
investing in industry to financing a holiday, the first thing we have to get clear
on is that the money that is ours to manage is not ours, but God’s. Yes, we
have been given it to use, but it remains his. We have it as a loan, and in due
course we must give accountto him of what we have done with it.
That is the point of the word stewardship, which nowadays is in effectthe
church’s label for the discipline of giving. A stewardis someone whom an
ownerentrusts with the managing of his assets. An investment manageris a
steward:he has control of his clients’assets in one sense, but his job is to
understand and implement his clients’ wishes and priorities regarding their
use. In the same way, a trustee is a steward:his job is to invest, safeguard, and
disburse the money in the trust according to the stated purpose of whoever
appointed him.
Society(which Scripture calls “the world”)sees eachperson’s money as his
own possession, to use as he likes. Scripture, however, sees our money as a

trust from God, to be used for his glory. In the Holy Communion liturgy in
the Anglican Book ofCommon Prayer, the collectionis offered to God with
the words:“All that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine. All things come
of thee, and of thine own have we given thee” (words taken from 1 Chron.
29:11, 14). Such is the constantbiblical perspective. The money that is
ordinarily thought of as ours remains God’s; we receive it from his hand as
his stewards and trustees, and must learn to manage it for his praise.
3. Christian giving is ministry with God’s money.
Ministry means service;service means relieving need; need means a lack of
something that one cannot well do without. Paul calls his plan of financial help
for the Jerusalempoor “the ministry for the saints” (2 Cor. 9:1) because the
poverty of the poor is denying them necessitiesoflife. Paul celebrates, and sets
forth as a model, the way in which the Macedonianchurches have embraced
this mode of ministry, ascribing their action directly to the grace of God. “In a
severe testof a affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty"—
what a combination!—“have over owedin a wealth of generosity. . . . they
gave . . . beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestlyfor the
favor of taking part in the relief of the saints . . . they gave themselves first to
the Lord and then by the will of God to us” (2 Cor. 8:1–5).
The ministry of giving has many goals:spreading the gospel, sustaining the
church, providing care for distressedindividuals (as the Samaritanin Jesus’s
story did for the beaten-up, half-dead Jew), and for distressedgroups like the
JerusalemChristians, and more. The ministry of giving in all its forms aims to
advance the kingdom of God, which becomes reality in human life whenever
the values and priorities of Christ’s teaching are observed. It goes without
saying that in this ministry, all God’s people are meant to be involved.
WeaknessIs the Way
J. I. Packer

J. I. Packerhelps Christians to embrace weaknessas he shares about his own
struggles in this book of meditations on 2 Corinthians. Ultimately, Packer
directs us to the ultimate source of strength and power: Christ himself.
4. Christian giving is a mind-set regarding God’s money.
Managementand ministry are matters of motivated performance. A mind-set,
or mentality as we may prefer to call it, is a characteristic attitude, a habitual
orientation, an entrenched desire, and as such a matter of motivation and
purpose. Christian giving aims at pleasing and glorifying God and never
settling for what is clearlysecond-best;such, positively and negatively, is the
use God means us to make of the money he entrusts to us.
Jesus told the story of a servant who, given a talent to use, did nothing with it
beyond hoarding it till he could return it to his master;“wicked,” “slothful,”
and “worthless”are the adjectives his master applied to him (Matt. 25:14–30).
Neversettling for the fairly good, the possibly goodenough, or the not-bad
calls for enterprising and imaginative thought, for which the biblical name is
wisdom. Giving randomly, without wisdom, is sub-Christian, just as is giving
nothing or giving far less than one could.
That raises the question, how much should one give? Specifically, should we
tithe? Some seemto think that tithing is like paying God rent: when we have
given him 10 percent of our income, the rest is ours. But no, it is all God’s, and
the New Testamentnowhere tells Christians to tithe. What Paul tells the
Corinthians is not that they should raise their share of the collectionby
tithing, but that if they give generouslyto God, he will give generously to
them.
The point is this: whoeversows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
whoeversows bountifully will also reap bountifully. . . . God is able to make
all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times,
you may abound in every goodwork. . . . You will be enriched in every way to
be generous in every way, which through us [as we deliver your gift] will

produce thanksgiving to God. . . . they will glorify God because of . . . the
generosityof your contribution for them. (2 Cor. 9:6, 8, 11, 13)
Paul’s appreciation of the Macedoniansfor giving “according to their means .
. . and beyond their means, of their own accord” (8:3) suggests thathis answer
to the question, how much should one give? would be, give all you readily,
easily, and comfortably can, and then prove your zeal and wholeheartedness
for Godby giving something more.
In light of Jesus’s commendationofthe poor widow who put into the temple
treasury all she had, it is natural to suppose he too would answer our question
by challenging us along these lines. This is certainly how John Wesleywas
thinking when he told his lay preachers, “Give allyou can,” and how C. S.
Lewis was thinking when he directed a correspondentwho had put our
question to him, “Give till it hurts.” By dint of constant giving, Wesleyhimself
died almostpenniless, and Lewis’s private charities, so we are told, were huge.
It may be a goodidea to practice tithing as a crutch until we get used to giving
largersums than we gave before, but then we should look forward to leaving
the crutch behind because now we will have formed the Christian habit of
giving more than 10 percent. When the amount to give is in question, the sky
should be the limit, and the word of wisdom, “Go for it.”
This article is adapted from Weakness is the Way: Life With Christ Our
Strength by J. I. Packer.
J. I. Packer(DPhil, Oxford University) serves as the Board of Governors’
Professorof TheologyatRegentCollege. He is the author of numerous books,
including the classic best-sellerKnowing God. Packerservedas generaleditor
for the English Standard Version Bible and as theologicaleditor for the ESV
Study Bible.
By Frank Sonnenberg
The Gift of Giving

Give out of love, not obligation.
Give when it’s leastexpected.
Give without strings attached.
Give from your heart.
Give of yourself.
Give to show that you care.
Give help without causing helplessness.
Give something that takes personalsacrifice.
Give to make a difference.
Give without keeping score.
Give for no reasonat all.
Give a little if you can’t give a lot.
Give without attracting attention to yourself.
Give without being asked.
Give of your experience.
Give to those who need it most.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
PostedOctober12, 2015 by Rob Shiflet and filed under the category.
Bible Reading:John 14:15-18
He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. John 14:17

IT’S FINALLY finished! Your new invention is ready for its final testphase.
It could be the greatestinvention ever for Christians.
It looks a lot like a Walkman, so you callyour machine “Truthman. ” You clip
the controlbox to your belt and slip the headphones over your ears. This is no
CD player, you think proudly. This is one rockin’ righteousness machine. It
senses whatI’m thinking and doing and then transmits the truth through my
headphones. You can’t wait to crank it up.
On your wayto schoolyou’re about to cross the streetagainstthe “Don’t
Walk” signwhen you hear a voice in your headphones:“Romans 13:1-2 says
we should obey the laws of the land. This is God’s wayof protecting us from
getting hurt.” Truthman works!You stop in your tracks and wait for the
“Walk” sign.
Hustling through the crowdedhall, you bump into another student. “Leper!”
he snarls at you. Before you can even feel sorry for yourself, Truthman
reminds you, “You’re no loser. John 1:12 says you are a beloved child of
God.”
In third period, your geographyteacherdrops a surprise quiz on you. But you
happen to sit next to geographygenius Lynn Brazil. As you casuallyglance
toward Lynn’s paper, Truthman says, “One of the Ten Commandments in
Exodus 20 is ‘Do not steal,’and that applies to quiz answers. ” You snap your
eyes back to your paper and glue them there.
Things don’t work so well after lunch. You accidentallydrop Truthman on
the cement, and when a lustful thought toward another student comes along,
all you hear through the headphones is “Bleeble … zok … snork.” And when
your mom asks if you have finished your homework, Truthman’s batteries are
totally dead, so you say “Almost, Mom!” when you haven’t even started. So
much for your greatin-vention.
Having something like Truthman would be great-ifit workedperfectly, that
is. But actually, you have something waybetter! It’s the Holy Spirit. He helps
you graspand apply God’s truth to your life in everyday situations. In fact,
Jesus oftencalls the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth” (see John 15:26; 16:13).

Unlike your fictional Truthman, however, the Holy Spirit can’t getlost or
broken or run out of batteries. He lives inside every believer-including you
(see John 14:17, 20). And you don’t have to leave the Holy Spirit in your
locker. Jesus saidhis gift”will never leave you” (John 14:16). Moment by
moment, day by day, the Holy Spirit is closerthan your next breath, ready to
share God’s truth with you.
REFLECT:How do you respond when the Holy Spirit tries to teachyou
truth?
PRAY: Spend a few minutes thanking Christ for his greatgift, the Holy
Spirit.
Embrace the Joy of Christian Giving
by George Cuff
I learned six truths about giving today--
Truths from God's Word, not what men say;
Truths that teachme how I should live,
And the joy I receive as I learn to give.
I learned to give myself to Godfirst,
My will in His, completely submersed.
I am bought with a price; I'm not my own.
These things I enjoy He's given on loan

I respond to God with a joyful heart;
No grudging response as I do my part.
My spirit enjoys a renaissance
When giving freely is my response.
SomedaysoonI will give account
For what I did with the greatamount
That God freely gave to meet my need
And also to give as He decreed.
I learned to release whatis His anyway,
To bring my offering on the Lord's Day.
I do not give to hear man's praise;
I simply desire to live God's way.
I learned every time I receive my pay
To bring my gift the next Lord's day.
By giving with order and discipline
It strengthens me and pleases Him.
I learned of God's Promise to supply.
If the well of my riches ever goes dry,
He will never stand idly by

Forsaking His servant until I die.
God can be trusted to meet all our need.
So don't be afraid to follow His lead.
If you would find joy in Christian living,
Embrace the grace ofChristian giving.
St. Nicholas Revealsthe True Spirit of Giving
The RealStory of Santa Claus
SUSAN KLEMOND
Like Santa Claus, St. Nicholas inspires generosityand joy at Christmas.
Although he’s often eclipsedin America by his more commercialred-suited
“descendant,” St. Nicholas alsorepresents holiness oflife, patience through
suffering and courage to defend the faith.
Much of what’s known about this fourth-century bishop is legend, but his life
continues to inspire Christians everywhere, who honor his virtue and
celebrate his Dec. 6 feastday with customs from many cultures and follow his
example of giving at Christmas.
It is believed that Nicholas was born in about the year 280 of wealthy
Christian parents in Patara (now Demre, Turkey). He receivedan inheritance
from them, which he gave to the needy.
In one famous story, Nicholas secretlydelivered three bags of gold to a
destitute father’s home so he could give his daughters dowries — the
beginning of our Santa Claus tradition. Despite his attempts at secrecy,

Nicholas, who had become a priest, was well known and was electedbishop of
Myra.
During the persecutionof Diocletian, some accounts sayNicholas was
imprisoned and tortured. It is believed that he participated in the Council of
Nicaea in 325 and strongly denounced the Arian heresy, which assertedthat
Jesus is not truly divine but a createdbeing.
There is evidence that Nicholas intervened, possibly miraculously, to save
three military officers from execution. He also is a patron of sailors. Nicholas
died around 343 and was buried in Myra. In 1087, merchants from Bari, Italy,
took Nicholas’relics to their city, where they are still located.
Betweenthe ninth and 13th centuries, Nicholas was notonly well known, but
was the most venerated saint of the Christian Church, according to Father
Gerardo Cioffari, director of the Saint Nicholas Studies Centerin Bari.
The saint is especiallyveneratedby the Orthodox. In the Eastand West, more
churches are dedicatedto Nicholas than anyone else except the BlessedVirgin,
said FatherNicholas Ayo, professoremeritus at the University of Notre Dame
and author of Saint Nicholas in America: Christmas Holy Day and Holiday.
Universally, Nicholas’legends have resonatedwith ordinary Christians,
offering them hope, FatherAyo said.
“The legends of the saints don’t tell you necessarilywhathappened,” Father
Ayo said. “They tell you what people want from their parents, from their
bishop, from their Church, from their world, from their government. They
tell you what’s in the human heart, what people want and what people think is
good.”
Whether or not legends about St. Nicholas are true, many of them offer
uplifting themes. “He teaches the correctrelationshipamong men, the right
way of using [wealth], and especiallythe necessityofgenerositytowards the
poor,” Father Cioffari said.

Nicholas is also considereda patron of commerce, he said. “Becausehe
substituted the Magi kings as gifts-bringer, it is normal for him to be the
‘saint of the gifts’ and therefore of commercialactivity,”
Father Cioffari said. “The question is not commerce, but the use of wealth.”
Commercializationis one thing Americans tend to associate more with Santa
Claus than St. Nicholas. The saint came to the New World as the Dutch
Sinterklaas, andin the early 1800s, writerWashingtonIrving included
Nicholas in his Dutch-influenced mock history of New York. More than a
decade later, Clement Clarke Moore published his famous poem, “A Visit
From Saint Nicholas” (knownpopularly as “’Twas the Night Before
Christmas”), upon which much Santa Claus lore is based.
Along with St. Nicholas legends, many countries through the ages have
developed customs for his feastday (or throughout the Advent and Christmas
seasons), whichbrings virtue, holiness and a little fun to Advent before the full
onsetof Christmas.
A website that offers comprehensive information on St. Nicholas, along with
activities, crafts, recipes and games, is StNicholasCenter.org. Ideas for
honoring St. Nicholas’feastday include:
The Europeantradition of leaving shoes outfor St. Nicholas to fill is said to
have originated with his anonymous gifts of gold to the three future brides.
Place carrots orstraw in shoes forSt. Nicholas’horse too.
Offer family and friends candy canes, whichrepresentBishop Nicholas’
crozier.
Like the Dutch, give simple gifts with riddles and/or wrapped in fun ways,
such as small gifts nested inside multiple boxes and wrappings.
In memory of St. Nicholas andhis generosityto the poor, plant seeds and
place a white votive candle in the center of the “garden.” If planted in early
Advent, the plants should sprout by Christmas. On Christmas Eve, light the
candle to symbolize Christ coming into the world.

Jennifer GregoryMiller, who writes the Family in Feastand Feria blog, also
offers information about the saint, as well as recipes and ideas for celebrating
his feastday. BecauseSt. Nicholas did hidden goodworks, she encourages
children to imitate him by doing a secretgooddeed.
Miller also suggests creating a St. Nicholas puppet theater with simple
puppets. And she gives a recipe for Speculaas, Dutch St. Nicholas’Day
cookies, whichare often placedin shoes as a gift.
St. Nicholas is about giving, just as God gave us his Son, FatherAyo said. He
is a model for an ideal world in which our life is a gift from God.
“Justas Jesus is a gift of God’s Son to us, so our life is a gift from the Father
who still is watching over us, still is gifting us,” he said. “St. Nicholas is simply
a human dramatization of the divine story, but in a minor key comparedto
the doctrinal solemnity that you could put together in the theologyof the
Incarnation.”
Or, as St. Thomas Aquinas noted in a homily in the 1200sonSt. Nicholas’
Day, “The hand of the Lord, that is to sayhis power, helped blessedNicholas
by working miracles through him; hence in Acts (4:30): ‘You will stretch out
your hand [to heal], and signs and wonders are performed in the name of your
Son.’ BlessedNicholas was filled with the power to work miracles. Who is
there that has ever soughtthe glory of the world and obtained it as did blessed
Nicholas, who was but a poor bishop in Greece?The Lord adorned him with
miracles because he showedthe greatestmercy. Know that the Lord has made
his holy one wonderful (Psalm4:4). It was mercy that made blessedNicholas
an extraordinary man, and the Lord Jesus Christ strengthenedhim even unto
everlasting life. May he lead us there, who lives [and reigns] with the Father
and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.”
SusanKlemond writes from St. Paul, Minnesota
The Gift of Giving

by RogerHorsch
I saw her on the street corner
she was holding up a sign
All she was doing was asking for help
but she wanted something of mine.
She was asking for any change I had
she didn't ask for very much
I lookedto see just what I had
for my heart I felt she touched.
I noticed she was elderly
and had trouble holding the sign in her hand
She could barely walk upon the street
and it was hard for her to stand.
I lookeddirectly into her eyes
and then I startedto cry
I couldn't understand why I felt this way
as she was walking by.
I wavedfor her to come to me

I don't know why I felt so bad
That's when I reachedinto my pocket
and gave her everything I had.
She thanked me over and over
she said, may God bless you every day
I told her, she deserves the blessing from God
as I watchedher walk away.
I know God touched my soul that day
'cause He taught me how to give.
I will never forgetthis lessonI learned
as long as I shall live.
Do You Have the Christmas Spirit?
Gail Rodgers
0 Comments
Would you know the Christmas Spirit if you saw it? It is fast becoming an
endangeredspecies in our culture today. We slashat it unintentionally with
questions like, “Whatdo you want for Christmas?” Yet the true spirit of
Christmas is a spirit of giving... it is evidencedbest in a generous heart. It
shines out with stark clarity in the lives of those who possessit.

Having a generous hearthas very little to do with the amount of money we
spend on gifts or goodies oron how much we give to church and charities.
One mark of a Christian is a generous spirit, and God encouragesus to set the
bar high in our ownlives. After all, He will provide what we need as we go. He
beganit all when He gave His Son that first Christmas. Jesus bought us
forgiveness and gives us new life. God’s Spirit of generosityis all over our
lives as believers. He looks to us to live generouslyand to enjoy excelling in it.
We getto give grace awayon His behalf! ...See that you also excelin this grace
of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Think about ways today where you can show generosityof spirit that has
nothing to do with your pocketbook.
Give compassiontodayto someone who is hurting... even if you can see they
have dug their own hole.
Give the gift of time to someone who needs to process her thoughts out loud.
Look her in the eye and really hear what is being said.
Give forgiveness remembering God has forgiven you.
Give encouragementto someone who is frustrated or discouraged.
Give a place at your table and share a meal.
The list could go on. Yet all these things require a willing heart — a heart
filled with grace because we have receivedsuch grace from our Fatherwho
sent His Son that first Christmas. Today, why not look for the places you can
excelin the grace ofgiving?
Try writing a note on the top of your December“to do list”. It’s a declaration
that can change the way you go through your busy days of December. It will
take you through all the days of the new year too with a perspective that will
surprise and refresh you. Declare overall your activities, “With God’s help I
will do this with a generous heart.” If you feel tired and discouragedyourself,
go first to God and ask for His grace to strengthen you. Ask Him for whatever
specific thing you need for eachtask. Ask for patience or joy, love or peace to
fill your actions, gentleness orkindness to mark your words, faith to share

with gentle humility and self control to rule in the moments you need it most.
Ask and receive His grace in abundance and then pass it out to those you
encounter.
He is the One who can fill your cup so your spirit can excelin this grace of
giving. He never expects you to give from your own spirit which can often
show up on empty. He promises to fill us by His Spirit so we have something
to give away.
You will be surprised at the extra dimension it will add to your day as you
operate with a generous heartin all you do. God wants to use you where you
are today to pass out His grace. Excelin it! Enjoy it. This is the true
Christmas Spirit.
Heavenly Father, I ask you to show me how I cangive out grace in the
situations around me today. Help me to see the opportunities you provide to
be generous with kindness, forgiveness,compassion, a gentle response, a
listening ear or time to just be with someone. I cannot do this on my own. I
ask right now that you would fill me with your Holy Spirit. Thank you that
you are my Source and will give me what I need to pass on to others. Father,
help me today to see my environment as one you want to penetrate with your
grace. Help me to excelin the grace ofgiving today by the powerof your
Spirit. In Jesus’name, amen.
a poem by RobertArthur Miller, USA -
The gift of giving
is a wonderful gift you see,
expecially when the giving
is all done by me.

Being able to give to someone
is the most beautiful thing,
it fills your heart with joy
and just makes it sing.
Whether it's to give to someone
or just something you do,
To help people in need
and a feeling so true,
So if you have an oppurtunity to give
don't ever let it pass bye,
because there's nothing like the thanks
when you look in their eyes.
Giving From the Heart Glorifies God
Bible study on giving.
In my last article, we consideredspending time in devotion and service to God
by giving. In giving, we turn our financial efforts into service and devotion to
God by constantly working in service to Him by the sweatof our brow.
Throughout II Corinthians 8-9, Paul focuses upon the heart of individual
givers. In II Corinthians 8:2 Paul notes the joy of the Macedonians as they

gave beyond their ability. It seems an oxymoron that people could be in joyful
affliction, but so was the case in Macedonia. Although they were afflicted in
giving beyond their ability, it was joy for them to give. Because,they were
giving from a true and honest heart by first giving themselves to the Lord (II
Cor. 8:5). So we have the very beginning of Paul's teaching focusedupon
giving with the proper attitude.
In II Corinthians 9:5, Paul points out two types of givers. There are those who
give out of generosityand those who give out of grudging obligation. As you
would guess, the one giving grudgingly is the one who gives the bear
minimum. Of this Paul says:"He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reapbountifully. So let eachone give as
he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity;for God loves a
cheerful giver." (II Cor. 9:6-7)
Paul compares the grudging giver to the one who sows sparingly. Everyone
knows that we cannotreap if we do not sow. So it is with God and spiritual
sowing. The one who sows little reaps little, and the one who sows much reaps
much. Therefore, we should be liberal givers so that we are bountiful in our
work for the Lord. But, God is not necessarilypromising earthly wealth for
those who give liberally and cheerfully.
Although prosperity is a popular message preachedtoday, notice that those
who are "generous" givers will not necessarilybe rich in earthly wealth. Some
have preachedthis messagein order to entice people to give more money. Paul
says in II Corinthians 9:8: "And Godis able to make all grace abound toward
to you, that you, always having all sufficiencyin all things, have an abundance
for every goodwork." Paulsays that we will have the sufficiency for the work
- not abundant wealth to eat, drink, and be merry.
If we determine to do the work, God will supply the means, but the means is
not to be squandered on luxurious living. God supplies us richly so that we
may be liberal givers. In II Corinthians 9:10-11 Paulsays:"Now may He who
supplies seedto the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed
you have sownand increase the fruits of your righteousness,while you are
enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us

to God." For what reasonare we richly given the seed? So that we may give
(sow)liberally. And, what is the result of our liberality in giving (sowing)? It
causes thanksgiving to be given to God.
This messageis far from the "sow a seed - out of debt - diamond ring"
messagebeing shouted from pulpits across this country. It is more popular to
tell people how rich they will be if they give to God than to tell them that God
may give to them so that they may again, unselfishly, give liberally.
Paul concludes chapternine and says:"Forthe administration of this service
not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many
thanksgiving to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify
God for the obedience of your confessing to the gospelof Christ, and for your
liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long
for you because ofthe exceeding grace ofGod in you. Thanks be to God for
His indescribable gift!" (II Cor. 9:12-15)
Notice that Paul prescribes the gift to needy saints as coming from God. Why?
BecauseGodis the one who gives to the giver. Therefore, the giver is really
God. When it comes to giving, you canlook at it like this: It is not how much I
decide to give back to the Lord, but how much I decide to keep. You see,
whether you give it or keepit, it is all the Lord's. The Lord has given to us
richly, should we not richly give so that He is glorified through thanksgiving?
This may also be why: "Godloves a cheerful giver." (II Cor. 9:7)
The PsychologyBehindGift-Giving
by South University
November 28, 2011

It’s that time of the year when people’s attention is focusedon the holiday
ritual of gift-giving. Shoppers are scurrying about looking for the right gift for
the specialpeople in their lives.
Gift exchange is a major part of celebrating the holidays, but did you know
the whole actof gift-giving can offer psychologicalbenefits? Giving a gift is a
universal way to show interest, appreciation, and gratitude, as well as
strengthen bonds with others, sources say.
“There is the whole act — determining what needs to be given and making
sure it fits with the person,” says Devin A. Byrd, Ph.D., associateprofessor
and chair of the Department of BehavioralSciencesatSouth University —
Savannah. “There is an emotional lift when searching for the gift.”
Betterto give than to receive, gift-giving is also an actof altruism — unselfish
concernfor the well-being of others. When we give without expecting
anything in return, we are improving our psychologicalhealth.
“In lifespan and developmental psychology, we teachabout altruism and how
it benefits individuals and society,” says Dr. Darlene Silvernail, owner of
Silvernail Consultant Services and Psychologyinstructor at South University
— WestPalm Beach. “Gift-giving feels goodinternally, and there are extrinsic
benefits also.”
There is an enormous sense of satisfactionwhenseeing the expressionon the
face of someone you’ve given a gift to. A wayto express feelings, giving
reinforces appreciationand acknowledgementof eachother. The feelings
expressedmainly depend on the relationship betweengiver and recipient.
Gift-giving feels goodinternally, and there are extrinsic benefits also.
“If it is friend to friend, people will remain thoughtful,” Byrd says. “If it is a
romantic relationship, people will try to go for sentiment as well. [Gift-giving]
taps into how we want to connectwith that individual.”
He says gift-giving is also a way for the giver to reduce guilt.
“Thatreally comes into play when you have people giving from afar,” he says.
“Now, it is a lot easierto order a gift online and send it. It can be a

replacementfor not being there with the person. They gain satisfactionwhen
they find the right gift and that brings emotional happiness.”
“If you do something positive, positive psychologysays you attract positive,”
Silvernail says. “People don’t always give just to getsomething back, but
many times we think ‘if I do a gooddeed, something goodwill happen for
me.’”
The expectationof reciprocity often comes with gift-giving, Byrd says.
“I imagine that there is a small subsetof us who do give and expect nothing in
return. You can tag that with those who give anonymously,” he says. “But, I
think there is an innate desire to receive when we give. No matter the gift,
people want to receive.”
Psychologists aren’tthe only ones who understand the mental and emotional
benefits of gift-giving. The holiday seasonis also a big time for advertisers to
tap into the feelings of consumers in an effort to getthem to buy products. It
seems as if Christmas advertising arrives earlierevery year.
Whether it’s through televisioncommercials and shopping websites filled with
holiday music and graphics or store displays offering festive cheer, consumers
can’t escape holidayadvertising.
“Advertisers are very goodat creating a culture of giving and being prepared
for finding that right gift,” Byrd says. “There is a great expectationand
buildup of what it will mean when a personreceives it. Advertisers also know
about the satisfactionofthe deal — something that looks like an expensive gift
but the person purchased it for a deal.”
Gifts can also bring on feelings of negativity for both the giver and recipient
when the gift is much more or much less than they expected.
“A person can have immediate feelings of resentmentif they feel a person has
not spent enough,” Byrd says. “Theyfeelundervalued or cheated. Or perhaps
the gift expresses more feelings than expected.”

Although gift-giving can be a de-stressorand create balance, the hunt for the
perfect gift for friends and family canalso cause a lot of stress. The costs of
gifts and what it takes to package themcan be a financial burden.
“People needto remember there are ways to acknowledge others without
having to purchase something,” Byrd says. “Christmas cards and photos tell
you that you are in that person’s network and you are important enough to
keepupdated with what’s going on in that person’s life.”
Activities such as gatherings or parties are also a goodway to share the
holiday spirit without exchanging gifts.
“I think the focus should stay on what the holidays are really about and not on
the commercialaspects ofit,” Silvernail says. “Gifts don’t have to be huge
monetary things to make everyone feelgood.”
The Fifth MotivationalGift – Giving
Romans 12:5 – Amplified Bible, “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in
Christ, the Messiah, andindividually we are parts one of another – mutually
dependent on one another.”
Romans 12:8 – Amplified Bible, “…he who contributes, let him do it in
simplicity and liberality:”
The King James Versionsimply says, “He that giveth, let him do it with
simplicity.”
In Romans 12:8 the Greek wordthat is used to designate the fifth
motivational Gift – translated as “give” in the King James Version, and
“contributes” in the Amplified Bible, is “metadidomi,” and means “to give

over, to share, or, to impart.” This “giving” is to be done with simplicity,
sincerity and liberality.
Of all the seven MotivationalGifts, the gifts of giving is the one leastlikely to
be identified by the one who has it because the giver’s “left hand does not
know when his right hand gives alms” (Matthew 6:3). The giver – like the
server, can be a leader or a follower – and – like the perceiverand the teacher
– has a love for the Word of God. However, when it comes to the use of
resources,the giver is unique!
In the study of these MotivationalGifts we must be sure to distinguish
between“learnedbehavior” and “innate tendencies.” Someone mayhave been
raisedand trained by his parents, or the church, to be generous and to tithe,
but one with the MotivationalGift of Giving will have a joyful inward
motivation to give and to be generous.
The motivation of a giver is the God-givenability to make money, to make
wise investments, in order to advance the work of the Lord. Becausethe giver
is desirous to have more funds available with which to bless the kingdom of
God, he is frugal with personal spending.
The guidelines for the Gift of Giving, spoke ofin Romans 12:13, are: 1. To
give to the needs of Christians 2. To practice hospitality
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GIVER
1. HE IS ABLE TO SEE RECOURCES

A giver is very industrious, has an ability to discern wise investments, and
tends to be very successfulwhenit comes to making money. Despite his
natural and effective business ability, he possessesGod-givenwisdom, as well
as natural wisdom, and is motivated to use assets oftime, money, and
possessionsto advance the work of the Lord. Even if a personwith the gift of
giving has limited funds, he still has the ability to recognize resourcesthatare
available and to draw upon them when it necessitatesdoing so.
2. HE GIVES FREELY OF MONEY, POSSESSIONS,TIME, ENERGY,
AND LOVE – INVESTING HIMESLF WITH HIS GIFT
MotivationalGift - Giving 2
The giver is not only willing to give generouslyof his money, but he is also
willing to give everything else he possesses, andhe gives comprehensivelyand
with abandonment. As the giver grows into mature stages ofgiving, he will
give with absolutelyno strings attached and no ulterior motives because,
convinced that everything belongs to the Lord, he simply desires to be a
channel through which the Lord can distribute His resources.
A give, once he has reassurance thathis decisions are God’s direction, will
give himself wholeheartedlyto the Lord, and then his gift. (See 2 Corinthians
8:5).
3. HE HAS A BELIEF IN BIBLICAL TITHING AND GIVING THAT,
REALLY, IS ONLY THE FUNDATIONALASPECT OF HIS GIVING
Becausethe giver sees himself only as a stewardof God’s resourcesand
because he believes that everything he has – money, home, car, and every
other possession, belongs to the Lord – would never think of withholding part
of his tithe, because, to him, that would be comparable to robbing God(See
Malachi3:8).

4. HE DESIRES TO GIVE ONLY BY THE LEADING OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT
Becausea mature give desires to give only as the Holy Spirit leads him, he
cannot be “talked” into giving and will resistpressure appeals to do so.
5. HE IS NOT GULLIBLE
Becausehe is not easilyfooled, it appears that God supplies the giver with a
discernment that protects him from those who would wrongly disassociate
him from his money.
6. HE WILL GIVE TO SUPPORT, AND BLESS, OTHERS, OR , TO
ADVANCE A MINISTRY
When a given selects a ministry that he wants to advance with financial
support, he checks thatministry out thoroughly to make sure that it not only
gets the Gospelout effectively, but, also, that the ministry’s overheadand
administrative expenses are not taking too much of the donations.
7. HE WANTS TO FEEL A PART OF THE MINISTRIES TO WHICH HE
CONTRIBUTES
Becausethe giver is naturally evangelistic, he focuses ongiving to ministries
that he believes are effectivelysharing the Gospel. Whenhe choosesto give to
a ministry he not only willingly gives of his money, but, also, willingly gives of
his time to pray and intercede for that ministry as well as getting involved in
other ways – such as quickly volunteering his services to help when there is
work to be done or a need to be met.
8. HE WILL DESIRE TO GIVE HIGH QUALITY

A mature giver will give the very best he has, being not only generous, but,
even lavish. He wants his gift to be the highest quality he can afford, and if he
cannot afford to buy a gift he will make one, with greatthoughtfulness and
skill.
The giver’s ability to discern value motivates him to provide quality gifts
because he wants them to last. More than any of the other Gospelwriters,
Matthew, who was a giver, describes the gifts that were given to Christ in
detail. He is the only writer who mentioned “the treasures” brought by the
magi – described Mary’s ointment as “very precious” – and Joseph’s tomb as
“new” (Mathew 111;26:6-11 and 27:57-60).
9. HE TRUSTS THAT HIS GIFT WILL ANSWER A PRAYER
Becausethe give knows that the highest, and best, gift is that gift that is given
as a result of the leading of the Holy Spirit, he is especiallythrilled when he
hears how his gift was an answerto someone’s prayer, because it serves as a
confirmation that his gift was given according to God’s will since it fulfilled an
unknown need. Thus, he will be prompted to give even when a need is not
obvious.
10. HE WILL VIEW HOSPITALITY AS AN OPPORTUNITYTO GIVE
Like the server, the giver loves to practice hospitality. While, outwardly, this
characteristic looksthe same for both, nonetheless, the inner viewpoints differ
because while the serversees hospitality as a chance to serve, the given sees it
as an expressionof giving.
11. HE DESIRES TO GIVE “SECRETLY”

The giver loves to give without others knowing about it (Matthew 6:1-4).
Becausea mature giver just wants to please his heavenly Father, he does not
need people’s acclaimor credit for his giving, because, the joy of pleasing God
is reward enough for him.
Becausethe giver wants the recipients of his gift to look to the Lord for
provision, just as he looks to the Lord for direction, and because he knows
that future reward is more valuable then present praise, he will give quietly,
and, often, anonymously. Matthew, a giver, is the only Gospelwriter who
emphasized secretgiving – (Matthew 6:1-4).
12. HE IS CONCERNEDTHAT HIS GIVING DOES NOT CORRUPT.
Becausea mature giver understands the destructiveness of the love of money,
and because he is very aware that those who need his assistance maynot have
learned the disciplines that God has taught him in acquiring assets, he
therefore, looks for ways of giving that avoid dependency, slothfulness, or
extravagance.
13. HE EXERCISES PERSONALTHRIFTINESS
A giver is “goodat handling money.” He is careful, cautious, even a little tight
with his own spending, and never squanders money. The personalassets that
the given has are often the result of consistentpersonalfrugality and the
willingness to be content with the basic necessitiesoflife. Becausehe does not
like to waste money, and desires to get the best value for the money spent, he
will spend extra effort in saving money and being resourceful with what he
has.
14. HE USES GIFTS TO MULTIPLY GIVING

Becausethe giver wants others to experience the joy and spiritual growth that
comes by sacrificialgiving, his motivation is to encourage others to give if it
means his providing matching funds, or the lastpayment, in order to so
encourage others.
15. HE CONFIRMSAMOUNT WITH COUNSEL
A giver reacts negativelyto pressure appeals for money and looks, instead, to
meet financial needs that others tend to overlook. Becausehe seeks
confirmation on the amount he feels he should give, a husband, for instance,
who has the gift of giving, will often confirm the amount that he should give
by seeking if his wife has the same amount in mind.
DANGERS THAT GIVERS SHOULD BE ALERT TO
1. USING FINANCIAL GIVING TO GET OUT OF OTHERS
RESPONSIBILITIES
Becausea giver may figure that if he provides the money he has done his par,
he can have a tendency to shirk other responsibilities.
2. HOARDING RECOURCESFOR SELF
An effective use of the gift of giving depends upon having the fear (reverence,
or awe)of the Lord and, because one waywe learn the fear of the Lord is by
regular giving, the tithe was established(See Deuteronomy 14:22-23). If the
giver stops exercising his gift, or stops tithing, he will not only begin to lose the
fear of the Lord, but, also, his storing up will cause him to become stagnant.
3. USING HIS GIFT TO CONTROLPEOPLE

Becausethe giver, like those who possessthe other gifts, sees his gift as of
primary importance and may not understand why some do not give as much
as he does, he can– as a result of his lack of understanding – either
consciously, orunconsciously, attempt to pressure others to give.
Becausea give has a desire to make sure that his gifts are wiselyinvested and
used, he may buy an item rather than give the money for it. In the process of
purchasing items, or sponsoring projects, a giver, without realizing it, may be
using his gifts to control lives and ministries.
4. FORCHING HIGHER LIVING STANDARDS
If a giver’s focus is more on the quality of the gift than the need that it is
meeting, he can cause the receiverto be dissatisfiedwith the quality of other
things that he owns. While a giver could excuse personalluxuries on the basis
that he is generous with his money, nonetheless, whenhe is not faithful in
little, God will not trust him with much.
5. FEELING GUILTY ABOUT PERSONALASSETS
A giver, not in fellowship with the Lord, can begin to feelguilty as he stores
up funds. Even if he is preparing for a specialneed, he must have the
reassurancefrom the Lord that his plans are according to God’s will.
6. REJECTING PRESSURE APPEALS
If a giver reacts negativelyto all appeals for funds, or looks only for the
hidden and unannounced needs, he may not only fail to getthe mind of the
Lord in a particular situation, but he may also miss an important opportunity
to give wise counsel, as well as giving needed funds to a worthy ministry.
7. GIVING TOO SPARINGLY TO FAMILY

Becausethe frugality of a giver canbe extended to his own wife and children,
he must show them the same concernand care that he shows to others, and he
must delight as much in meeting their needs as he does in meeting the needs of
others, or, they will resenthis generosityto others.
On the other hand, however, because he loves to give so much, he may tend to
spoil his children, or other relatives, by giving too much.
By listening to the Lord and by wise counsel, he can avoid the damaging
consequencesofunwise giving or investing.
8. GIVING TO PROJECTSVS. PEOPLE
If a giver loses his focus on meeting the needs of people, he may be unduly
attractedto projects. His desire for measuring value may prompt him to build
a “memorial to his generosity.”
Paul’s collectionwas for the needy Christians simply because the emphasis of
Scriptural giving is the distribution of funds to meet the needs of the saints.
9. CAUSING PEOPLE TO LOOK TO HIM INSTEAD OF TO GOD
If a giver lets others know what he is giving, because it will cause many to
turn their attention from the Lord to himself, he runs the dangerof attracting
carnalChristians who have wrong motives.
Becausepeople canbe trained to appeal to human inclination, they are able
to extract funds from others that who are not so directed by the Lord
10. WAITING TOO LONG TO GIVE
If a giver is not instantly obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, not
only may he lose the joy of seeing God accomplisha miraculous provision
through him, but, also, the one who was to receive the gift will be denied the
opportunity of seeing God provide funds preciselywhen they were needed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
Scriptures for those who would like to further study on what it means,
Biblically, to be a
giver:
Dorcas – Acts 9:36-42 Cornelius – Acts 10:1-31 Epaphras – Colossians1:7;
4:12 and Philemon 23 Paul – Romans 1:1-20 and Acts, chapters 9 through 28
Lydia – Acts 16:14 and 40 Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10 Abraham – Genesis,
chapters 13 and 14
Solomon– 1 Kings, chapters 1 through 11 and 2 Chronicles, chapters 1
through 9
To cap this off, the descriptionof someone with the Motivational Gift of
Giving would be someone who: 1. Is very frugal with money for himself and
his family 2. Enjoys investing money in the ministries of other people 3. Has
an ability to make money by wise investment 4. Desires to keephis giving a
secret5. Reacts negativelyto pressure appeals for money 6. Likes to use his
gift to encourage others to give 7. Wants the ministries he supports to be as
effective as possible 8. Enjoys giving to needs that others ten to overlook 9.
Sometimes fears that his gifts will corrupt those who getthem 10. Desires to
give gifts of high quality 11. Enjoys knowing that his gifts were specific
answers to prayer
How would someone with the motivational Gift of Giving reactin certain
situations?

Let’s say that someone spills a plate of food on the carpet floor, a person with
the MotivationalGift of Giving would probably reactby saying something like
. . .
If, for instance, a person with the Motivational Gift of Giving were to visit a
sick person, they probably would respond with something like . . .
Perchance a speakeraccidentallyspills a glass ofwaterthat was on the pulpit
while he was speaking, the personwith the MotivationalGift of Giving might
retort with something like . . .
Motivation of the Giver is to give to a tangible need
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
UNDERSTANDING THE GIVER
The person with the MotivationalGift of Giving is big on providing
“material” needs for others – such as food, clothing, money, etc. He is also
interestedin providing anything that will help others “spiritually” – such as

books, printed notes, even helping to pay for theologicaltraining, such as
seminars, institutes, or Bible school.
A giver is one who shares whateverhe can.
“I’ll be happy to buy a new dish for the one that was broken and pay for the
food that was spilled.”
“Do you have insurance to cover this kind of illness? Can I help in any way?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll buy another glass – and, perhaps, a holder for the pulpit
where the glass will fit securely.”
His giving is more than just tithing, but gives financially beyond tithing. He
has a convictionthat, as Proverbs and Psalms bears out, “He that giveth,
lends to the Lord.” (Psalm37:26; 112:5 and Proverbs 19:17)
The personwith the MotivationalGift of giving is extremely interested in
spreading the Gospelwith his contributions.
A mature giver learns the “timing” of the leading of the Holy Spirit in his
giving, to be able to meet a need at the most appropriate time.
One can be considered“poor” by this world’s standards and yet have a
MotivationalGift of giving, as he learns to listen to the voice of God’s Spirit to
lead him in this matter. He gives of his time to others.

The mature giver has no need for publicity, but will give secretively, whenever
possible.
The giver will try to give in a manner that will bring the greatestblessing to
others. “Pressure”tactics in raising an offering will offend him. He feels the
Lord will lead people to give just the right amount – his experiences has
proven this to be most usually so.
God may need to use someone in the MotivationalGift of Giving, who does
not have a lot of money – maybe, not sufficient to share. A true giver will
never assume the attitude, “Let the wealthy give, I can’t,” he does what he
can, even if it give of himself.
Even though he is usually generous with himself, he doesn’t try to keepup
with present day fashions
He realizes that “confirmation” is important and will on occasions seek
verification from someone he has confidence in – such as his wife, pastor, or
someone he considers a wise counselor. He will seek unifying confirmation.
THE PROBLEMS OF THE GIVER
The one with the MotivationalGift of Giving carries a burden for the
financial part of ministry and may be inclined to “worry” over the bills. He
could feel, “Januarywas a bad month for the offerings, are we going to be
able to meet all of our expenses?” Itcould appearto some that all the giver is
interestedin is the financial responsibilities.

The giver may not have the Motivationalgift of Organizing and have a
tendency to want to direct what he gives to the church, or ministry. He must
learn to realize that God can, and will, do direct what is given in His name – to
leave it in God’s hands.
BIBLICAL - GIVERS
Abraham was a giver who had God-given abilities to acquire wealth(Genesis
13:2 and 24:1). Genesis 14:14-16 revealshow God entrusted him with many
assets so he would be able to share with others. Genesis 13:9-10 shows how he
was willing to give a great dealof the land God had promised him [the best
part] to his nephew, Lot. Abraham is called the friend of God (James 2:23).
Genesis 14:14-16tells how Abraham was will to use everything he had to
rescuer
his brother who had been taken captive and, when he was offered a rich
reward, would not receive it, saying, “Godis possessorofheaven and earth. I
will not take anything from you, lest people say Abraham is rich because of
what you gave to me.”
Abraham tithed long before tithing was under the Law (Hebrews 7:2).
Abraham gave the richest gift he had to God – Isaac, his son of
promise.(Genesis22:6). ---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------

Listed below are the titles of the sevenMotivationalGifts listed in Romans
12:6-8. You can choose anyone – or more of them – and click on it to
download and study.
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #1 – PROPHECY, PERCEPTION
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #2 – SERVING
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #3 – TEACHING
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #4 – EXHORTATION
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #5 – GIVING
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #6 – ADMINISTRATING (ORGANIZING)
MOTIVATIONAL GIFT #7 – COMPASSION
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SevenPrinciples of Giving
How we handle our finances is important, and it reflects where our hearts and
priorities are at. Here are sevenScriptural principles to guide us as we seek
to honor God’s command to His church to give of what we have been given.
First of all, our giving should be free. Jesus saidin Matthew 10:8, “Freelyyou
received, freely give.” All that we have is from God, and He commands us to
give freely. We ought not to expectsomething in return as if we are looking
for approval or honor before men, but simply because we have the privilege of
being able to give. And giving is a privilege before God, so we ought to take
care that we live in financial balance so that we are able to give as God gives
to us. To give freely is to give not expecting or even desiring some temporal
personalbenefit in return. The joy comes from the act of giving in Jesus’
name, period, because ofthe joy and glory it brings to Him. The by-product
of this selfless attitude is joy and eternal blessing.

Second, giving is to be in secret. Matthew 6:3-4 says, “But when you give to
the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that
your giving will be in secret;and your Father who sees whatis done in secret
will rewardyou.” We will have had our reward in full if we are seeking to give
for the sake oflooking goodto others. Those who give to be seenby men have
forfeited their eternal reward and their joy in exchange for temporal
recognitionand renown by mere people. Giving in secretkeeps others from
having a chance to judge us, envy us, compare with us, or applaud us, and we
them. Churches need to be mindful of their times of taking in financial gifts
that the system does not contribute to judgment, ranking, competition, etc.
Others have no business knowing what we give as a family unit to Christ’s
work and church, and we have a responsibility not to showcase orflaunt what
we give. Neithershould we feel embarrassedor worry about being put to
shame. There are few joys on earth as being able to freely give to others
without anybody else knowing.
Third, we are to give according to our ability (Ezra 2:69, Nehemiah5:8, 2
Corinthians 8:3, 12). We can’t give what we don’t have, and we are not to put
our families at risk of not having a home to live in or food to eat. God
understands that life costs money. We must meet our debts and expenses so as
to keepa goodtestimony before men. What gooddoes it do to give to a charity
and then fail to pay a bill or bounce a check? We do more goodfor the
kingdom by living in balance and following God’s leading over time.
Fourth, there are times that God will move us to give above what we feel able
to do (2 Corinthians 8:3). This is not the rule or the norm (see point #3), but
there are instances where Godwill call us to give in such a way that really
requires faith on our parts. This is one of God’s ways to cause us to experience
growth in Christ through an increasing need to rely upon Him in faith. If this
is the case, Godwill make it clear.

Fifth, we will reap in proportion to that which we sow. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says,
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reapsparingly, and he who
sows bountifully will also reapbountifully.” In other words, those who give
generouslywill themselves be given back to generouslyby God. No one can
say exactlyhow God will repay a person’s generosityor exactly when it will
happen, so we must beware of any who claim to know the mind of God in
regard to our finances. Godhonors those who give to His work bountifully,
abundantly, and generously. Generositywithin our ability is a sacrifice that
leads to great joy and reward.
Sixth, we are not to give out of duty and againstour will but cheerfully. 2
Corinthians 9:7 says that our giving is not to be done “grudgingly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God wants giving to be a happy
experience, not a drudgery or mere requirement. The giver is not trying to
satisfy the harsh expectations of a deity, nor is he supposedto be giving
begrudgingly and againsthis will. Giving is a “wantto” thing. Godmoves in a
person to give joyfully and cheerfully. The word for cheerful could also mean
“prompt or ready to act.” In other words, a cheerful giver is both a joyful
giver and an eagergiver, ready, willing, desiring, and prepared to give.
Seventh, we give as the Lord leads us individually. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says,
“Eachone must do just as he has purposed in his heart.” We are not to give
because our pastormotivated us by giving us a guilt trip about tithing. We are
not to give so that we can getGod off our backs or to earn His favor. Rather,
we are to give because we want to give and because we believe that God would
be honored by our giving. If we are not purposing in our hearts to give or if
we find that we have no desire to give, we had better ask the Lord why these
things are the case.It is one thing to be unsure about a church or a ministry
and be hesitant to give to it. It is another thing to be hesitant to give
altogether. The important thing is that we are faithful and willing to give
where and to the extent that God leads us to give.

Giving is an indescribable gift in and of itself (2 Corinthians 9:15). The world
cannot understand this as they do not enjoy giving for the most part; they
enjoy getting. The Christian’s way is backwards, getting much more joy out of
giving than receiving. Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessedto give than to
receive” (Acts 20:35). Thus, in giving we truly receive.
View all Sermons
The Gift Of Giving Series
Contributed by Bruce Willis on Feb 14, 2007
based on 17 ratings
(rate this sermon)
| 6,822 views
Scripture: Romans 12:8-13
Denomination: Baptist
Summary: This sermon is the seventh in a series of ten on Motivational
Spiritual Gifts which communicates the characteristicsofthe gift of Giving in
order to allow the Holy Spirit to revealthis gift to those who have it.
1 2 3

Next
In Romans 12:8b, the secondphrase says in the KJV, “he that giveth, let him
do it with simplicity or liberality.” The NIV says “if it is contributing to the
needs of others, let him give generously.” One of my favorite advertisements is
the RedCross BloodBanks appealto “Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving –
Give BloodToday!” Blood does enable us to keepon living and as long as
we’re living we have the opportunity to keepon giving. At leastif we have the
motivational, spiritual gift of giving.
The Greek wordhere is “metadidomi” = to give over, share, or impart. And
it’s to be done, according to Paul with “haplotetes”= simplicity, sincerity and
liberality. In fact, in the guideline for expressing this gift Romans 8:13 says in
the KJV, “Distributing to the necessityof the saints;given to hospitality and
in the NIV “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Let me say to every member of the Body of Christ that through our church,
God has provided the funding for “A Benevolence Ministry.” So as a part of
this Body we need your eyes and ears and hearts to be discerning, sensitive
and aware ofneeds when a member or family is struggling or hurting. If you
become aware ofa need let the Pastor, a member of the Benevolence
Committee or a Deaconknow ofthe need so that it can be met.
Now the personwho personifies the profile of a Giver heart in the NT most
clearly is our man Matthew. If you want to know about finances, money or
goodstewardship- where in the Bible would you go? One of two places –
Matthew or Proverbs. Matthew records more about money, stewardship,
resources andfinances than any other writer. Now the definition of the
spiritual, motivational gift of giving is the ability to earn money for the
advancementof God’s work and to do so with such wisdom and cheerfulness
that Christians are immeasurably blessedby the transaction. You’d never ask
a person with the gift of giving to tithe! This persondoesn’t give just for the
sake ofgiving, but they give for a definite purpose of furthering God’s work.
Of course, not everyone who tithes has the gift of giving. It’s a gift whereby
someone receivesgreatjoy and blessing by having a part in God’s work and
who gives far beyond the Lord’s tithe. So let’s look at:

The Characteristicsofthe Gift of Giving
1. Ability to discernwise investments
A person with the gift of Giving has a keenability to discern wise investments
in order to have more money available to give. They have the ability to make
wise purchases and investments. In fact, the reasonthey’ve gotsome money is
because they’re smart about making it and they don’t always give it away.
Sometimes you’ll find that the people who have the most aren’t the ones who
spend the most or buy the most. Oftentimes, they’re very conservative in the
way they live their lives. The key to a giver heart is they have wise
discernment about financial things. It’s a giftedness ofthe Holy Spirit. It’s
uncanny how God gifts them to see things others can’t see. It’s a God-
enablement. So their giftedness is their discernment and insight about
financial things, not just money itself. A giver heart isn’t necessarilya money
person, the money is a byproduct of the ability to discern wise investments.
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2. A desire to give quietly
A giver heart gives quietly without public notice, anonymously. That is, if it’s
according to the Spirit. If their giving is after the flesh, they’ll put their name
on it like Trump Tower. A giver heart in the flesh has not learned that it’s all
about God. We’re stewards or managers of what God has given us
stewardshipover. A person with the Gift of Giving has a desire to give quietly
to effective projects or ministries. This personis not necessarilyone who has a
handout ready for everybody who’s in need. Rather they very carefully decide
which project, which ministry, which person really has a need. Of course,

The holy spirit gift of giving

The holy spirit gift of giving

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